Top 10 Things to Do in Dubai

If you’re travelling to Dubai for the first time or having a stopover en route to Europe, the Emirati city is well worth exploring. Depending on your timeframe and budget, here are top ten things to do in Dubai, listed in no particular order.

1. Visit one of the gargantuan shopping malls such as Mall of the Emirates which has a hotel on site, Dubai Mall, or Ibn battuta Mall which has six courts, each with an architectural representation of a region that the famous Battuta had explored. Major hotels have shuttle buses to take you to some of the shopping malls.

2. Swim in the Persian Gulf. Many hotels along the Jumeirah Beach strip such as Le Meridien Mina Seyahi beach resort hotel have their own private beaches where you can experience the warm waters of the Arabian gulf. Otherwise head down to Jumeirah Beach Park which is open seven days a week between 7 am and 10:30 pm. Monday is Ladies Day, which means only women and children are allowed.

3. Go on a guided tour of the Jumeirah Mosque. It’s a cultural and enlightening experience worthy of your time.

4. Take a Desert Safari Tour where you’ll spend the afternoon and evening dune bashing in the desert before settling in for a desert BBQ where you can smoke a shisha, get a henna tattoo and belly dance. Check out our essential tips for planning your Dubai desert safari before you book.

5. Have afternoon tea at Burj Al Arab hotel. If your budget permits and you’d like to take a close look at this Dubai icon, book for an afternoon tea at the SkyView Bar and arrive half an hour early for a chance to explore parts of the 7 star hotel and take a look inside Burj Al Arab.

6. Ride the Dubai Monorail to see Atlantis the Palm, passing through the man-made Palm Jumeirah.

7. Visit the old parts of Dubai such as Bastakiya, Deira, and take an abra cruise.

8. Go to the local markets such as the Gold Souk, the Spice Souk, the Fish Souk and the Food Markets and Dates Souk.

9. Visit Madinat Jumeirah complex with Souk Madinat Jumeirah, an air-conditioned and modern replica of an ancient souk.

10. Take it to the top at Burj Khalifa, the world’s highest building for incomparable aerial views of Dubai.

For other information, refer to our comprehensive Guide to Dubai which includes Ski Dubai, What to Wear in Dubai, Shoo Fee Ma Fee Moroccan restaurant, Al Khaima Restaurant at Le Royal Meridien and more.